The Washington Examiner is also reporting that, indeed, Scalise is out.

This move comes after the establishment rallied behind Scalise, seemingly ignoring the public's evident preference for Jim Jordan for the speaker position. However, in the end, it's not all that surprising that Scalise decided to withdraw; after all, he didn't have the 217 votes needed to secure the speakership. Newsmax initially reported that Scalise was pulling out of the race, suggesting that MAGA-favorite Jordan might re-enter the fray.

This move from Scalise came after Rep. Massie's informal poll on X, which showed beyond the shadow of a doubt that the base did not want him as speaker. As a matter of fact, Massie himself made it clear he would not vote for Scalise. Outside of establishment circles, Scalise doesn't enjoy much support—especially not from the MAGA community, where he is seen as an anti-America First RINO.